Rachel was the first person to die at the tragic Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. The story of the promising young life that was cut short and the writings she left behind have been an inspiration to thousands through the impact of Rachel’s Challenge. CTA Middle School science teacher, Tyler Buitenwerf, had his students summarize what they learned from the assembly:

One month before she died, Rachel wrote a paper entitled, “My ethics, my codes of life.” In that paper she summarized who she was and how she was going to treat others. Her goal was to start a chain reaction of compassion and kindness.

5 challenges were given to our students:

• Look for the best in others! Eliminate prejudice.

• DREAM BIG, write goals, keep a journal

• Choose positive influences, “we all have somebody who is a good influence”

• Speak with kindness. “Words can hurt or heal.” Who do you need to say sorry to?